The origins the old family name Stueart can be found within medieval Scotland. While the patronymic and metronymic surnames, which are derived from the name of the father and mother respectively, are the most common form of a hereditary surname in Scotland, occupational surnames also emerged during the late Middle Ages. Many people, such as the Stueart family, adopted the name of their occupation as their surname. However, an occupational name did not become a hereditary surname until the office or type of employment became hereditary. The surname Stueart was an occupational name for a steward, the official in charge of a noble household and its treasury. One common alternate spelling of the name is a result of the influence of Mary, Queen of Scots, who was educated in France, and consequently spelled the name Steuart or Stuart.

Early Notables of the Stueart family (pre 1700)

Notable among the family at this time was Charles Stewart Chief of Ardshiel; General The Rt. Hon. Sir William Steuart (1643-1726) P.C., M.P., Commander-in-Chief of Queen Anne's Forces in Ireland and benefactor of Hanover Square, London; Adam Steuart (Stuart, Stewart) (1591-1645) was a Scottish philosopher and controversialist... Another 47 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Stueart Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Stueart family to Ireland

Some of the Stueart family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Stueart family to the New World and Oceana

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: James Stuard who settled in Virginia in 1651; Henry Stuart settled in Virginia in 1653; Robert in Virginia in 1652; Robert settled in Jamaica in 1689.

The Stueart Motto

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Noblis est ira leonisMotto Translation: The wrath of the lion is noble.